April 2026 African Regulatory Updates Round-Up
April 2026 has been a busy month across the continent: from the direct impact of the US-Iran-Israel to related regulatory updates that include the enforcement of remote work policies and bans on foreign currency remittances.
Missed last month’s Regulatory Update Round-Up? Find it here.
Lesotho updates personal income tax thresholds
Lesotho introduced changes to personal income tax from 1 April 2026, affecting how PAYE is calculated for resident employees.
The threshold for the 20% tax rate has increased from M70,500 to M77,760, meaning more income is taxed at the lower rate, while income above this remains taxed at 30%.
The monthly tax credit has also increased to M1,020, which helps reduce the amount of tax employees pay.
Overall, these changes may result in slightly higher take-home pay.
Nigeria bans foreign currency remittances for its diaspora
Nigeria's Central Bank is banning foreign currency remittances for the Nigerian diaspora. From 1 May 2026, all international money transfer operators must route transactions through naira settlement accounts at licensed banks.
Likely impact:
This measure is expected to strengthen the use of the local currency in cross-border inflows.
Egypt mandates remote work on Sundays
The Financial Regulatory Authority has mandated remote work every Sunday in April 2026 for non-banking financial sector entities to support business continuity amid the global energy crisis.
Compliance is mandatory, with a review planned at the end of the month.
Likely impact:
While temporary, this policy may set a precedent for more flexible or hybrid working arrangements in regulated sectors, if proven effective.
South Africa sets new earnings threshold under labour law
A new earnings threshold under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act will take effect from 1 May 2026. If an employee earns above the threshold, they might not receive certain protections such as:
- Limits on working hours
- Limits on overtime
- Limits on compressed working weeks
- Averaging of hours
- Meal intervals
- Daily and weekly rest periods
- Pay for work on Sundays
- Night work
- Public holidays on which the employee would not ordinarily work
With the increase in the threshold (from R261,748.45 to R269,600.90 per year), some employees who previously earned above the old limit but below the new one are now covered by these protections.
Likely impact:
This adjustment will bring a broader group of mid-income employees back under the protective scope of the BCEA, increasing employer compliance obligations.
South Africa Return of Earnings submission window open
In South Africa, employers must submit their 2025 Return of Earnings between 1 April and 30 June 2026.
Late submissions may incur penalties, with interest charged on overdue amounts.
Zambia Revenue Authority issues key tax updates
The Zambia Revenue Authority announced increased deductions for employing persons with disabilities in the newly-released Practice Note 1 of 2026.
Stay ahead of regulatory changes in Africa
Africa’s regulatory environment is evolving quickly. For businesses managing employees across multiple African jurisdictions, keeping pace with these developments is both essential and unfortunately resource and time-intensive.
Africa HR Solutions operates across 46 African countries and helps businesses navigate exactly this kind of complexity, from employment compliance and work permits to payroll and HR administration.
Get in touch with our team to find out how we can support your operations on the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is changing with Nigeria’s foreign currency remittance rules?
From 1 May 2026, Nigeria will require all diaspora remittances to be processed through naira settlement accounts at licensed banks. This means foreign currency transfers will no longer be paid out directly in foreign currency locally, reinforcing the use of the naira for inbound flows.
How does Egypt’s temporary remote work mandate affect employers?
Non-banking financial sector entities in Egypt were required to implement remote work on Sundays throughout April 2026. While temporary, this could influence future hybrid work policies if it proves effective for maintaining business continuity.
What does South Africa’s new earnings threshold mean for employers?
As of 1 May 2026, the earnings threshold under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act has increased. More mid-income employees will now fall under statutory protections such as working hours, overtime, and rest periods, which may increase compliance and payroll oversight requirements for employers.
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